Watchdog warning over doorstep will-writing services

TRADING standards officers in North Lincolnshire are warning people to be wary of adverts and cold callers selling will-writing services.

A number of people have reported being conned into parting with hundreds of pounds to companies using door-to-door sales people.

The cold callers promise people cut-price wills, storage of wills, lasting power of attorney and property trusts that turn out to be anything but.

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But the costs of the services offered can quickly spiral into hundreds of pounds and they often insist on being paid on the spot, North Lincolnshire Council said.

According to some reports, the callers have taken away original documents such as birth certificates and not returned them, and people who have parted with their money might never receive the legal papers promised them.

Coun Nigel Sherwood, cabinet member for highways and neighbourhoods, said: “North Lincolnshire Council trading standards has received 13 complaints, including one yesterday, since February this year where people have been paid between £1,200 and £2,000 for legal service that have not been provided.

“If you think you might have been conned in this way report the company to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

“They can give clear and practical advice.”

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The authority reminded consumers that they have rights when buying from sales people calling at their homes and have a seven-day cooling off period for any agreements made.

Earlier this week the Legal Ombudsman called on the Government to take urgent action to ensure consumers are not left confused and vulnerable by the will-writing unregulated companies.

It was claimed thousands of people had been ripped off by the claims management and will-writing companies, with no legal protection.

Consumer organisation Which? and the Law Society backed claims and the called for more protection for customers.